Royal Ascot Ante-post Tips: 2021 Prince of Wales’s Stakes Betting Tips

The Prince of Wales’s Stakes is the principal middle-distance race of the week for older horses and the undisputed highlight of day two.

As is often the case, Aidan O’Brien is well represented but so, too, are a bevy of Newmarket trainers.

 

Lord North has what it takes

Lord North, who currently shares favouritism with Love, comfortably beat Addeybb by 3¾ lengths in this race last year, with disappointing favourite Japan a further 1¾ lengths behind in fifth place. The Dubawi gelding was subsequently beaten on his next three starts, all in Group 1 company, but readily won the Dubai Turf, despite bursting a blood vessel, on his reappearance at Meydan in late March. He hasn’t run since, so his well-being needs to be taken on trust, but he is clearly a highly capable performer on his day.

 

Love looks world-class

Love sailed through her 3-year-old campaign unbeaten, scoring impressive victories in the 1,000 Guineas, the Oaks and the Yorkshire Oaks. Aidan O’Brien has been keen to avoid testing conditions with her so far this season, but should have no such concerns here. The Galileo filly shouldn’t be inconvenienced by dropping back in distance and, provided she arrives at Ascot fit and well after a 300-day break, must take a world of beating.

 

Armory worthy of his place

Armory is second-best of the Ballydoyle entries, according to the bookmakers, and has yet to win at the highest level. That said, he wasn’t beaten far in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown or the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on his last two starts as a 3-year-old. He reappeared with a comfortable 3-length victory over Sangarius in the Group 2 Huxley Stakes at Chester in May and, officially rated 120, he fully deserves his place in this line-up.

 

Audarya has improved by leaps and bounds

The globe-trotting Wootton Bassett mare Audarya took her form to a whole new level at the end of her 4-year-old campaign. Having won a handicap, under ten stone, at Newcastle in early August, she won Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville later the same month, finished a close third in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp in October and won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland in November. She hasn’t raced since, so fitness is the main issue with her, but she was certainly progressive when last seen.

 

Stoute pair commands respect

Sir Michael Stoute has won the Prince of Wales’s Stakes four times in all, including twice in the last three years. Neither of his entries this year, Regal Reality nor Sangarius, is quite on the same level as his previous recent winners, Poet’s Word and Crystal Ocean, but both are priced accordingly. Both have something to find with the principals on official ratings, but are worth a second look.

Love was imperious in last season and, in receipt of a 3lb fillies’ allowance, is preferred of the market leaders. However, at much longer odds, it may be worth taking a chance on Audarya, who improved out of all recognition in the autumn and may not have finished yet.

Selection: Audarya (14/1 with Betfred)

 

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